RESTON, VA (December 2, 2010) – .ORG, The Public Interest Registry (PIR) – manager of the world’s third largest generic top-level domain – announced today the hiring of Don Blumenthal as Senior Policy Advisor. An esteemed attorney, Blumenthal brings a unique combination of technology, policy, law and law enforcement experience to the PIR policy team. Prior to joining PIR, Mr. Blumenthal created and then directed the Federal Trade Commission’s Internet Lab, a pioneering effort in the development of facilities dedicated to the collection and development of evidence needed to prosecute illegal online activity. That role provided extensive experience in phishing, spam and malware detection – areas of utmost importance to PIR.

Mr. Blumenthal also was involved in electronic data seizure operations while a member of the FTC’s central IT division. In that capacity and in his role with the Internet Lab, he often worked in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and other federal, state, and local law enforcement organizations. As .ORG continues to focus on effective cybersecurity, law enforcement relations and domain name system abuse prevention, Mr. Blumenthal’s expertise complements and expands PIR’s commitment to these areas.

“PIR’s dedication to working in support of the public interest is what attracted me most to the organization,” said Don Blumenthal, Senior Policy Advisor of .ORG, The Public Interest Registry. “I expect that my experience in both government and the private sector will serve PIR well in it’s position as a leader among global top level domain registries.”

In addition to his work on security and system abuse, Mr. Blumenthal will also be working on policy initiatives relating to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). Blumenthal will work to represent the interests of the .ORG community as well as all web users to ensure the Internet continues to become stronger, more secure and more stable.

“Don is a tremendous addition. His expertise is integral in expanding our work in cybersecurity, Whois and domain name abuse – areas in which we will be dedicating extensive efforts in the upcoming year,” said Kathy Kleiman, Director of Policy for .ORG, The Public Interest Registry. “Don also brings to our work a deep concern for the public interest and a strong support of the .ORG community.”

Mr. Blumenthal received his bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College and is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He is a member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. For more information on .ORG, The Public Interest Registry, please visit www.pir.org.